No need to dread the record book! This article breaks it down into simple steps.
In 4-H, young people have tracked their activities, events, profits and losses, skill development and learning experiences, and much more using the iconic 4-H Record Book. In addition to record keeping, the 4-H Record Book gives members an opportunity to reflect on their year, measure their achievements and growth, set goals, and develop plans to meet those goals. Once you understand the purpose and value of record books, you are probably wondering where to start. Here are the most frequently asked questions about record books to simplify the process:
What’s the difference between a project book and a record book? A project book guides youth through the project and includes background information and activities to help them master the subject matter. A record book is the record of what youth did and learned in the project and documents goals, knowledge and skills gained, leadership experiences, awards earned, and service to the community. Record books are typically bound in a cover, scrapbook or three-ring binder and turned in for evaluation at the end of the project or 4-H year.
Some project books include a records section, but many do not. If your project does not have a section for records, then you will want to insert a Florida 4-H Project Report Form (based on your age level).
What types of information should I keep track of for my record book?
Name, 4-H age, club, # of years in 4-H, member, parent/club leader signatures
Project Plans and Goals
NA
What are your goals (run for office, attend a workshop, earn a blue ribbon in showmanship)
Project Highlights
A list of activities you did this year (demonstrations, field trips, leadership activities, workshops, exhibits)
Project Attachments
Photos of you doing project activities; newspaper clippings, club or workshop programs, exhibitor tags, cage cards, feed tags
Project Story, or Reflection
NA
What you learned, who helped you, what you liked (or disliked) about the project, what you would do differently next time, whether or not you encountered any problems and what you did to overcome them
Financial Records
Financial records are usually only associated with animal science, gardening and entrepreneurship projects. Not all record books will have a financial record section.
How do I keep up with all that information?
Calendar
Have a calendar dedicated to your 4-H work and record your activities- club meetings, workshops, how often you feed or water your project, shows or exhibits, etc.
Index box
Keep a recipe box full of index cards with dividers for each section of the record book. Each time you do something related to one of the sections, write it on the card.
Notebook
Keep a journal of your project, recording activities. You can even divide the notebook into sections that correspond with each section of your record book
Electronic Device
Yes! There is an app for that. Sponsored by Tractor Supply and National 4-H Council, there is a market animal record book app you can download from iTunes.
To inspire you, here are some quotes that Florida 4-H youth wrote in their record books:
“As the VP (vice president) of my club, I had many opportunities to speak in front of a crowd. This has helped me in other aspects of my life such as school. I have become a better public speaker.”
“I have taken bigger and better responsibilities. I learned to be responsible and to challenge myself to bigger expectations and to be kind, nice, and pleasant to others.”
“4-H has given me the opportunity to do things that I normally would not get to do.”
“4-H has meant a lot to me because it teaches me so much about my project and our world. (I learned) to follow safety practices, treating animals with respect, being careful when leading an animal and watching out for others and their animals.”
As we start the 2017-2018 4-H year, think about your 4-H project area and how you will document it this year. If you have a skill to share and would like to inspire the next generation, consider becoming a 4-H volunteer. We offer a wide variety of roles to fit your interests and schedule. For more information about 4-H, visit our website or contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office.
Many youth (and parents) dread the 4-H Record Book
In the early years of 4-H, record books were a way to document profit or loss on a project, such as raising and preserving a crop or raising a herd of cattle. Over the years, record books have expanded to include topics like babysitting, robotics and sewing. However the reasons why 4-H encourages youth to complete record books is the same- it is one of the most effective tools in positive youth development. 4-H Record Books foster the Essential Elements of positive youth development through:
Belonging: 4-H members are awarded for their participation in activities, earning symbols of belonging as they continue in 4-H (e.g. ribbons, achievement pins).
Mastery: Through competition, 4-H members receive feedback on their participation and record keeping skills so they can improve and grow.
Independence: 4-H members set and record goals and their progress towards those goals throughout the year. Record books also encourage members to participate in leadership development activities.
Generosity: 4-H members are provided an incentive to engage in their communities through positive citizenship and community development activities.
Record books are an effective way for youth to learn life skills.
However, record books are generally regarded as a chore young people; most fail to realize its value until they reach adulthood. However, many 4-H Alumni still have their record books and will be quick to point out that the process taught them multiple life skills such as:
Time management and organizational skills.
Responsibility
How to set goals
Preparation for completion of resumes and applications for awards, college scholarships, and jobs
Financial literacy and keeping track of expenses
Written communication
But what does the research say? Life skill development through record books is well documented. During a recent study, 4-H alumni were polled regarding their experiences in 4-H and the use of record books (Bikos, Haney, Kirkpatrick-Husk and Hsia. Journal of Youth Development, 2014). Alumni spoke of the real-world applicability of skills acquired during completion of record books to their adult life:
“It prepares us for life after we leave 4-H,” and “It has helped with a number of projects since I’ve left 4-H.”
Comparing skills learned in her Sewing/Needlework project to those gained from completion of record books, one alumnus said:
“Even though I’m not still doing clothing type things, I’m still doing things that I have to take records of.”
Leader perspectives voiced a similar theme but with a more parental tone:
“They may not be really aware of how this is going to relate in their real life, but it’s going to whether they know it, or like it, or not.”
Alumni and leaders who had completed record books reported that the experience helped them successfully apply for college, scholarships, and employment. While most used the record book as an organized resource for easily locating information (e.g., “It was all there for me which was amazing”), a few were able to use the actual record book itself. 4-H members in Florida refer to their record books when completing their 4-H Portfolio, part of the process for applying for state awards and scholarships.
If you have a skill to share and would like to inspire the next generation, consider becoming a 4-H volunteer. We offer a wide variety of roles to fit your interests and schedule. For more information about 4-H, visit our website or contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office.
September 1st marks the new 4-H year in Florida, and many families are enrolling their kids this week. There are several different ways that youth can participate in 4-H. The most traditional delivery mode is community clubs, but youth can also participate through their school or afterschool program, military youth center, camp, or even as a short-term special interest member.
Last year, Florida 4-H introduced a membership fee for community club members ages 8-18 of $20.00. Many parents have asked me, “Why is Florida 4-H charging community clubs? Many club kids are enrolled in projects where parents have already invested money into animals or equipment (shooting sports, robotics, sewing machines).” I am one of those parents- my own children are enrolled in the poultry project and would like to advance to a rabbit, pig or steer. As a parent who has paid the fee, I see it as an investment, and here’s why:
Photo credit: Paula Davis, UF IFAS Bay County
Although every 4-H delivery mode incorporates positive youth development strategies, research shows that the club delivery mode has the greatest benefit to youth. A few years ago, Tufts University did a groundbreaking study on Positive Youth Development. They studied youth engaged in a variety of youth programs (including 4-H) and they tracked the youth from 5th grade until graduation. Florida participated in this study and the results were exciting for 4-H! You can read the full report here. Based on this research, compared to youth in other youth programs, youth engaged in 4-H clubs are:
Four times more likely to contribute to their communities
Two times more likely to be civically active
Two times more likely to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities during out-of-school time
Two times more likely to make healthier choices
4-H girls are two times more likely to take part in science programs compare to girls in other youth program
So as a parent, I see the club membership fee as an investment. Twenty dollars is way less than what I pay so that my kids can play soccer for a couple of months each year (and depending on the coach- my kids may or may not learn sportsmanship and teambuilding). There isn’t anything on the list above that I don’t want for my children. But these outcomes are all tied to long term involvement with a 4-H club. Clubs are the most effective delivery mode for positive youth development because they focus on three very important areas:
Positive and sustained relationships between youth and adults
Activities that build important life skills
Opportunities for youth to use these skills as participants and leaders in valued community activities
Photo credit: Julie Dillard, UF IFAS Washington County
So if 4-H sounds like a good investment to you, here’s how to enroll (if you are a member of more than one club, you pay the membership only one time per year):
Each youth must have a club and project (select from the drop-down menu).
You will receive an email with a link to pay the Florida 4-H Membership Fee after enrolling.
Pay the Florida 4-H Membership Fee. If you don’t want to pay online, you can drop off cash, check or money order at your local UF IFAS County Extension Office using this form.
Membership will be set to active after fee is paid. Until
membership fee is paid, youth cannot attend 4-H club meetings, events or activities.
Update contact, medical, club and project information for each member.
Each youth must have a club and project (select from the drop down menu).
You will receive an email with a link to pay the Florida 4-H Membership Fee after enrolling.
Pay the Florida 4-H Membership Fee. If you don’t want to pay online, you can drop off cash, check or money order at your local UF IFAS County Extension Office using this form.
Membership will be set to active after fee is paid. Until membership fee is paid, youth cannot attend 4-H club meetings, events or activities.
Many counties are planning 4-H kickoffs this time of year, and those events are a great way to learn about the different clubs available in your community. If the fee is a hardship for your family, contact the 4-H agent for possible scholarships. For more information about 4-H, contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office or visit http://florida4h.org.
Ms. Jean Bodiford McMillan was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame August 2nd. She has helped 5 generations of youth in Gulf County learn leadership and life skills through the 4-H Horse Project. In 1970, she became the club leader for the Big River Riders 4-H Club. Mr. Roy Carter, a former Gulf County Extension Director, says “The Big River Riders 4-H Club holds the county record for the longest running 4-H club [in Gulf County] and Jean is one of the strongest leaders we have ever had the pleasure to work with. She has been the backbone of our horse program and is always willing to help in any capacity.”
In addition to serving at the county level, Mrs. McMillian also serves on the Area A 4-H Horse Advisory Committee. This committee of volunteers provides direction and leadership for 4-H Horse programs across the Florida Panhandle (Northwest District). The purpose of the committee is to make sure that 4-H horse events are educational in nature and adhere to the philosophies and goals of 4-H positive youth development. This committee has the authority and responsibility to manage the direction and resources of the Area A 4-H Horse Program. Examples of programs include schooling shows, showmanship and judging clinics, camps, and competitive shows.
Ms. Jean Bodiford McMillan being inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame during the 4-H University Awards Banquet in August.
Jean has served on the Area A Horse Committee for over 30 years and has held a variety of positions on the committee. Through her involvement in the committee, she has watched her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in the Florida 4-H Horse Program. She is always willing to help with anything that needs to be done from checking bits and helmets to calculating points. She has chaired the Western and Speed Divisions for a number of years at the district level and also pitches in to help with whatever is needed at the State 4-H Horse Show every July.
Her work in customer service has helped her as a volunteer to resolve conflict and solve problems. She began her professional career with FairPoint Communications, Inc. (Port St. Joe office) in 1960 in the customer service department and held various jobs over the years. She is also an active member of the Honeyville United Methodist Church in Honeyville located right outside of Wewahitchka. She retired from the integration and reports department of FairPoint in 2009.
When asked why she has stayed involved with 4-H for so many years, she said:
“We have a very good group of Extension directors, agents, volunteers and members within our Area A Horse Program and I am so thankful to be a part of the group in any capacity. I was a 4-H’er growing up, worked as a volunteer for 5 generations over 45 years and there are so many rewarding pleasures when you see the young people do their best and strive to improve in all areas. When all your heart is given and they continue to give more is the greatest reward of all. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this astronomical foundation.”
Despite retiring from the professional world, she has never retired from her 4-H volunteer work. Her dependability and compassion for youth has earned her the respect and admiration of fellow volunteers as well as Extension faculty. If you are interested in sharing your knowledge and skills to inspire the next generation, contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office to find out more about becoming a volunteer. We offer a wide variety of roles to fit your interests and schedule.
Youth had only 2 hours to design a bridge that would support a semi load of vegetables.
When you hear the word agriculture, it probably evokes words like “farming, livestock or dirt” and maybe even the smell of manure. For people who work in the agriculture industry, it reminds them of words like “hard work, long days, sweat” and the smell of money. But did you know that science and technology- especially engineering- play an ever increasing role in supplying our nation (and world) with a safe and affordable food supply?
Thanks to generous support from HughesNet, 4-Hers across Florida have been learning just how much the agriculture industry needs technology. This week, 4-Hers from Jackson, Liberty, Gadsden and Leon counties participated in an engineering day camp. Each day, they learned how civil engineers design the infrastructure needed for farmers to get their food from the farm to tables across the state and nation. The program concluded with an engineering challenge at the North Florida Fairgrounds in Tallahassee.
Youth were judged on their innovation, creativity and teamwork- all essential skills for engineers who solve today’s problems!
Youth had two hours to design, build and test a bridge that would hold a large semi-truck of produce. The results were inspiring! Teams were judged on their creative use of materials, innovative design, teamwork and communication skills. They also completed a skill-a-thon to showcase their knowledge of bridge design. This challenge was practice for the contest that will be held in November during 4-H Day at the North Florida Fair. To find out more information about other 4-H programs like this, contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office or visit http://florida4h.org.
HughesNet and Florida 4-H have teamed up to help youth learn how to use science and technology to solve problems!
Most people think of camp as a break from the fast-paced technological world, but that’s not always the case. With a $10,000 grant from HughesNet, Florida 4-H is introducing technology in a meaningful way across our state this summer! As a result of the sponsorship, 340 youth will learn about the engineering design process, and how to use technology and engineering to solve real world issues such as energy, water and conservation.
“We are grateful for the partnership with a technology leader like HughesNet to get more kids interested in how STEM affects our lives and offers great career paths,” said Michael Gutter, UF/IFAS associate dean for Extension and state program leader for 4-H youth development, families and communities. “Camp is a fun way to learn about STEM and a great way for youth to spend part of their summer.”
During one camp, youth learned how civil engineers design safe bridges to transport people, food and medical supplies. STEM in action!
STEM at Camp is part of a national effort by HughesNet and National 4-H Council to spark youth interest in STEM topics. Florida was one of four states selected to receive a Summer Camp STEM grant. The other states include Illinois, Maine and Virginia. This is the third consecutive year that HughesNet has supported STEM at Camp programs and the first year that Florida has been a recipient of this funding.
Next week, Florida Panhandle youth have two camps to choose from: Bots by the Bay at 4-H Camp Timpoochee and Wildlife Camp in Monticello, Florida. During Bots by the Bay camp, youth will learn how to program 3-dimensional printers to print, build and test robots and cars. During Wildlife Camp, youth will learn how technology is used to protect natural resources and grow our agricultural industry. Our goal is to spark an interest in using technology to solve real world problems that affect our food safety and supply, as well as our overall quality of life.
National 4-H Council and HughesNet are dedicated to sparking youth interest in STEM topics through hands-on, community-based STEM learning. In addition to STEM at Camp, HughesNet works with National 4-H Council to support STEM programs such as the 4-H Youth In Action STEM Pillar award, National Engineering Week and National Youth Science Day – the world’s largest youth-led STEM challenge. This year’s experiment, Incredible Wearables, helps youth explore the world of wearable technology as the design, built and test a fitness monitor. If you have a passion for technology, or simply like to help kids learn, consider becoming a 4-H volunteer. For more information about 4-H, visit our website or contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office.
It happens to me all the time…the stranger standing next to me in line at the post office or grocery store sees the 4-H emblem on my shirt or name tag, and say “I’ve always wondered what the four “H’s” in 4-H stand for.” Many people would be surprised to find out that originally, there were only three “H’s.” O. H. Benson designed the first emblem in 1907 as a three-leaf clover with three “H’s” signifying head, heart, and hands. A four-leaf clover design with H’s appeared informally around 1908 with the fourth “H” standing for “Hustle.” In 1911, during a club leader meeting in Washington, DC, leaders voted to adopt the fourth “H,” Health. This emblem was patented in 1924, and in 1939 Congress passed a law protecting the use of the 4-H name and emblem. This emblem continues to be highly valued and recognized on our country today, and because of that it became a federally protected mark, more valuable than a trademark or copyright. Similarly valued emblems include the Olympic and Presidential Seals. The “18 USC 707” that is written below the stem of the emblem outlines the United States Code that protects the emblem.
The best way to remember what the “H’s” stand for is by learning our pledge:
Today’s emblem, protected by Congress.
My Head to clearer thinking (life skill development through informal education)
My Heart to greater loyalty (emotional development and positive relationships with screened, trained and caring adults)
My Hands to larger service (growing compassion and civic responsibility through service to others)
And my Health to better living (learning how to make better choices)
For my club, my community, my country and my world.
Watch celebrity Aubrey Plaza explain what the four “H’s” mean by reciting the 4-H Pledge on national television.
Nostalgic about 4-H and want to introduce the next generation of youth to the program? Consider becoming a 4-H volunteer! Florida 4-H offers a wide variety of roles to fit both your interests and schedule. Contact your local UF IFAS Extension Office or visit http://florida4h.org for more information.
This contest teaches youth about meat science, food safety and communication skills.
Tailgating. The smell of charcoal in the air. Cooking over a hot grill. Earning lots of scholarship money?
The Florida 4-H Tailgate Contest completed its first year in 2016, giving out over $15,000 in scholarship money to 4-H members. This was made possible by sponsorships from Winn-Dixie, National Beef, and Sonny’s. In 2017, Sanderson Farms joins the list of sponsors for this statewide event.
While earning scholarship money is great, youth also learn many valuable life skills in the art of grilling. A curriculum series was developed (see below) to help youth learn about fire-building, meat selection, cooking safety, smoking and slow cooking meat, and cooking equipment. The Northwest District has been very proactive in hosting different tailgate and grilling day camps throughout the panhandle to further youth learning.
Youth demonstrate their knowledge during the district and state contests, and can win a college scholarship.
The Florida 4-H Tailgate Contest allows youth to grill two 6-8 ounce portions of one of the following proteins: beef, pork, poultry (half chicken or turkey breast), and headless, deveined, fresh shrimp. At each contest, judges will observe the food and fire safety of each participant and ask students questions about their recipe and safety knowledge. A team of judges will then evaluate the cooked product.
There are four contests hosted throughout the state including the South contest at 4-H Camp Cloverleaf, the Central contest in Dade City, the Northeast contest at the UF Horse Teaching Unit, and the Northwest contest held at the Washington County Fairgrounds. After youth compete at the local county contests/day camps, they can register for the district contest. The Northwest contest will be held on July 22, where the first place winner in each protein category receives $400, second place $250, third place $100, and fourth place $50. The top two winners from each protein area at the district contest are then eligible to compete in the state contest held at the University of Florida on October 14, 2017. For the state contest, the first place winner in each protein area receives a $1,500 college scholarship and the second place winner receives a $1,000 college scholarship.
We hope to see you at one of the many grilling opportunities offered throughout the Northwest District this summer through 4-H!
Contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office to inquire about other Florida 4-H Tailgating Day Camps and to register for the District Contest. For more information, visit these sites:
4-H Judging Contests, like horticulture identification, teach essential life skills for work and personal success.
Horticulture is one of our state’s leading industries, and for decades, the 4-H Horticulture ID contest has helped youth learn about this industry and demonstrate mastery of horticultural identification skills. Even if a youth does not pursue a career in the horticultural industry, learning the material for this contest can benefit them in other ways. To learn more about how judging teams teach workforce skills, check out this previous blogpost.
This year, the State 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest received an extreme makeover, to expand the program to even more youth. The state contest was held this past Saturday, June 10th at the Hillsborough County Extension Office in Tampa, FL (previously, the contest was held in Gainesville during 4-H University and was only open to 4-H seniors). For the first time ever, the contest is now open to youth between the ages of 8 and 18 (juniors, intermediates, and seniors). Study materials were adapted and revised to be age appropriate, and a webinar for coaches was offered. The webinar was archived and can still be viewed by anyone interest in coaching a team.
There are five parts to the contest:
Woody Ornamentals identification
Flowers and Foliage identification
Fruits and Nut identification
Vegetable identification
Judging classes (youth look at a group of four fruits, plants, vegetables or nuts and rank them from best quality to poorest quality).
The contest is organized by a group of University of Florida Extension Specialists and volunteers. In addition to the resources online, youth can contact their local Master Gardener Program through their local UF IFAS County Extension Office for support. Many master gardener volunteers are willing to help teach plant identification, and may be willing to serve as a coach for your club. In fact, Master Gardeners can earn bonus points towards their state contest for helping 4-H clubs and teams prepare!
If this program interests you, sign up for 4-H! 4-H is open to youth ages 5-18. Adults can join 4-H as volunteers. Florida 4-H offers a variety of volunteer roles to fit your specific interests, skills and schedule. For more info, visit http://florida4h.org or contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office.
Kheica’s prepared public speech at county events her senior year
I will never forget the day Kheica and little sister walked into the Jefferson County Extension Office interested in doing a 4-H Demonstration at County Events. Two shy and very timorous little girls. Perhaps they could organize their presentation, but the thought of presenting it in front of an audience- no way! They proved me wrong. They organized their demonstration and presented it at County and District Events. Receiving both blue 1st place ribbons and blue quality rosettes. Since her demonstration at age ten, Khecia made a lasting impression in Jefferson County 4-H. She embraced 4-H slogan “Learning by Doing” wholeheartedly as a member.
Khecia’s first 4-H team demonstration, as a junior
As a junior and intermediate 4-Her, Kheica was a member the Elite Sewing Club. She also served as president of the Jefferson Elementary School Clubs (both 3rd & 4th grade years). She also participated in consumer choices judging contest and received the highest individual score at the North Florida Fair.
As a senior 4-Her, Kheica served as president and vice-president of the Jefferson County Teen Council. Last year, she participated in general public speaking at the county, district & state levels. This year Kheica will be doing a team demonstration at 4-H University entitled: Creamy Shrimp Linguine. She served on the 4-H NW Teen Retreat Planning Committee. This summer will also be her fourth year as a camp counselor at the day and overnight summer camps.
Khecia has helped plan several community service projects, including a roadside clean-up this spring.
Giving back to her community is paramount to Kheica. She has accumulated over 400 hours of community service hours from roadside cleanup, the 4-H Nature Trail Clean up, northwest Florida service project (Chemo Kits for Cancer Patients), nursing home visits, and landscaped the senior citizen center.
When I asked Kheica what life skills she learned that she attributes to 4-H, she shared: “I have learned life skills such as teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. I have also learned the important of community service.” Kheica said her most memorable moment as a junior 4-Her was participating in 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking and doing her demonstrations at County & District Events.
Khecia Jones, an exemplary student, achieved top honors as Valedictorian of the 2017 graduating class. After graduation, she plans to attend FAMU on a full scholarship and major in Biomedical Sciences.
Our heart is content knowing that Jefferson County 4-H equipped this young woman with tools necessary to be successful post high school. Jefferson County 4-H takes pleasure in wishing Khecia Jones much happiness and success in her future endeavors, and we invite her to join 4-H as a volunteer to help other youth benefit from 4-H the way she has!”
If you are interested in joining 4-H to learn leadership and communication skills, or if you would like to help teach youth in your community as a 4-H volunteer, contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office or visit http://florida4h.org.
